Water sensor

ABSTRACT

A water sensor comprises a housing including a top portion and a bottom portion; a controller positioned within the housing; a power source electrically coupled to the controller to energize the controller; and a continuity sensor electrically coupled to the controller and including an inner arcuate portion and an outer arcuate portion, the inner arcuate portion having an electrically conductive surface spanning at least 300 degrees, the outer arcuate portion having an electrically conductive surface spanning at least 300 degrees and substantially surrounding the inner arcuate portion to define an gap therebetween, wherein the water sensor is structured to transition from a first logical state to a second logical state responsive to water bridging the gap, and wherein the controller is structured to transmit a wireless water detection signal responsive to the water sensor transitioning to the second logical state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/273,736, filed on Dec. 31, 2015, the disclosureof which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a water sensor for detectingthe presence of water in a particular area and, more particularly, to awater sensing system including the water sensor and configured toprovide remote alarms.

BACKGROUND

A water sensing device generally senses flood conditions caused by awater level rising above the ground sufficiently to contact electrodesof the sensing device. Improved water sensors are desirable to detectwater before a flood condition occurs.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates generally to a water sensor for detectingthe presence of water in a particular area. In some embodiments, thewater sensor comprises a continuity sensor, and a controller toconfigure the water sensor and communicate signals generated by thewater sensor to a web service. The web service can then transmit alarmsand status alerts. The continuity sensor has electrically conductiveelements and an electrical circuit configured to change logical stateresponsive to water bridging an elongate gap between the electricallyconductive elements.

In some embodiments, the water sensor comprises a housing including atop portion and a bottom portion; a controller positioned within thehousing; a power source positioned within the housing and electricallycoupled to the controller to energize the controller; and a continuitysensor electrically coupled to the controller and including a firstelongate member adjacent a second elongate member with an elongate gaptherebetween, the first elongate member and the second elongate memberextending along one or more surfaces of the housing, and control logicstructured to transition from a first logical state to a second logicalstate responsive to water bridging the elongate gap, wherein thecontroller is structured to transmit a wireless water detection signalresponsive to the continuity sensor transitioning to the second logicalstate.

In some embodiments, a method of detecting water is provided which isimplemented with a water sensor comprising a housing including a topportion and a bottom portion; a controller positioned within thehousing; a power source positioned within the housing and electricallycoupled to the controller to energize the controller; and a continuitysensor electrically coupled to the controller and including a firstelongate member adjacent a second elongate member with a elongate gaptherebetween, the first elongate member and the second elongate memberextending along one or more surfaces of the housing, and control logicstructured to transition from a first logical state to a second logicalstate responsive to water bridging the elongate gap, wherein thecontroller is structured to transmit a wireless water detection signalresponsive to the continuity sensor transitioning to the second logicalstate. The method comprises, by the water sensor, wherein the controllercomprises a wireless personal area network (WPAN) controllercommunicatively coupled to a wireless local area network (WLAN)controller: the continuity sensor transitioning from the first logicalstate to the second logical state responsive to the water bridging theelongate gap; the WPAN controller transitioning from the inactive stateto the active state responsive to the continuity sensor transitioningfrom the first logical state to the second logical state; the WLANcontroller transitioning from an inactive state to an active stateresponsive to a signal from the WPAN controller transmitted while theWPAN controller is in the active state; and the WLAN controllertransmitting a water detection signal after transitioning to the activestate and transitioning to the inactive state after transmitting thewater detection signal.

In some embodiments, a method of detecting water is provided which isimplemented with a water sensor a housing including a top portion and abottom portion; a controller positioned within the housing; a powersource positioned within the housing and electrically coupled to thecontroller to energize the controller; and a continuity sensorelectrically coupled to the controller and including a first elongatemember adjacent a second elongate member with a elongate gaptherebetween, the first elongate member and the second elongate memberextending along one or more surfaces of the housing, and control logicstructured to transition from a first logical state to a second logicalstate responsive to water bridging the elongate gap, wherein thecontroller is structured to transmit a wireless water detection signalresponsive to the continuity sensor transitioning to the second logicalstate. The method comprises: positioning a water sensor as in claim 1 ina desired location; pairing the water sensor with an electronic deviceto form a wireless personal area network (WPAN); obtaining networkinginformation from a web service with the electronic device, thenetworking information corresponding to an access point communicativelycoupled to the web service; the electronic device transmitting thenetworking information to the water sensor through the WPAN; the watersensor detecting a presence of water; and the water sensor transmittinga wireless water presence signal to the access point.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the followingdetailed description of the illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to theaccompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a water sensor;

FIGS. 2 to 5 are top elevation, bottom perspective, bottom elevation,and plan views of the water sensor of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are top and bottom exploded perspective views of the watersensor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a first cross-sectional plan view of the water sensor of FIG.1;

FIG. 9 is a second cross-sectional plan view of the water sensor of FIG.1, rotated 90 degrees from the view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is schematic diagram of an embodiment of a water sensor;

FIG. 11 is schematic diagram of an embodiment of a water sensing systemincluding the water sensor of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12 to 19 are schematic diagrams of an embodiment of a graphicaluser interface communicatively coupled with the water sensor of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are bottom elevation and plan views of anotherembodiment of a water sensor;

FIGS. 22 to 24 are top and bottom perspective, and bottom elevationviews of a further embodiment of a water sensor;

FIGS. 25 and 26 are top and bottom exploded perspective views of thewater sensor of FIGS. 22 to 24;

FIG. 27 is a plan view of the water sensor of FIGS. 22 to 26;

FIG. 28 is a first cross-sectional plan view of the water sensor ofFIGS. 22 to 27;

FIG. 29 is a second cross-sectional plan view of the water sensor ofFIGS. 22 to 27, rotated 90 degrees from the view of FIG. 28;

FIGS. 30 and 31 are perspective views of yet another embodiment of awater sensor; and

FIGS. 32 to 47 are screenshots of another embodiment of a graphical userinterface operable with a water sensor.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the drawings representembodiments of various features and components according to the presentinvention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certainfeatures may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explainthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed. Rather,the embodiments elected for description have been chosen to enable oneskilled in the art to practice the invention. It will be understood thatno limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Theinvention includes any alterations and further modifications in theillustrated devices and described methods and further applications ofthe principles of the invention which would normally occur to oneskilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Except where a contrary intent is expressly stated, terms are used intheir singular form for clarity and are intended to include their pluralform.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing,” and“having” and the like denote an open transition meaning that the claimin which the open transition is used is not limited to the elementsfollowing the transitional term. The terms “consisting of” or “consistsof” denote closed transitions.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in thedescription and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that any termsso used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such thatthe embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operationin sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.Similarly, if a method is described herein as comprising a series ofsteps, the order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarilythe only order in which such steps may be performed, and certain of thestated steps may possibly be omitted and/or certain other steps notdescribed herein may possibly be added to the method.

Occurrences of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in one aspect,”herein do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or aspect.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, an embodiment of a water sensor 10 includes ahousing 12 having a top portion 14 and a bottom portion 16, an actuatingmechanism 18, and a visual indicator 30 surrounding actuating mechanism18. To facilitate communications and perform the functions describedbelow, water sensor 10 includes a controller 20, a power source 22, andconductive elements to, described below with reference to FIGS. 6, 7,and 10. Water sensor 10 is structured to form a wireless connection 25with an electronic device 23. Communications between water sensor 10 andvarious electronic devices are described below with reference to FIGS.10 and 11.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of water sensor 10 illustrating aplurality of supports 32, and an access cover 34 disposed about thebottom surface of bottom portion 16. Water sensor 10 generally includesa continuity sensor 24 comprising at least two electrically conductiveelements disposed with a elongate gap therebetween. When water bridgesthe elongate gap between the two electrically conductive elements, anelectrical circuit of continuity sensor 24 transitions from a first to asecond logical state and controller 20 detects the transition. Theelectrically conductive elements may comprise a pair of elongateelements arranged with a elongate gap therebetween, wherein the elongategap may be about or less than 3.0 millimeters and may extendsubstantially along the entire length of the elongate elements. Theelongate gap may be constant along the length of the elongate elements.In some embodiments, the first elongate member and the second elongatemember extend along one or more surfaces of the housing. The first andsecond elongate members may extend minimally from the surfaces or may beflush with or embedded in the surfaces. As shown in FIG. 8, one elongatemember extends about the bottom surface of the housing and issubstantially flush therewith, while the other is embedded in a radiusedcorner between the bottom and lateral surfaces of the housing. As usedherein, elongate refers to an element having substantially longer lengththan width. In one example, at least one of the elongate elements is ona common plane with a bottom surface of housing 12 of water sensor 10.In another example, both elongate elements are disposed on a lateralwall of housing 12. If housing 12 comprises a circular bottom surface,the elongate elements may span at least 300 degrees about a center ofthe bottom surface. If housing 12 comprises an oval bottom surface, theelongate elements may span at least 70% of the length of the major axisof the oval. More generally, the length of the elongate elements isgreater than 50% of a bottom surface length to increase the likelihoodof detection of water falling on housing 12. In some examples, theelongate elements are segmented, in which case the length of theelongate elements shall be construed as the sum of the lengths of thesegments. The segments may be electrically coupled or isolated from eachother.

In some embodiments, the two electrically conductive elements extendsubstantially circumferentially (i.e., generally in a circumference orspanning 360 degrees) about the bottom surface of bottom portion 16 ofhousing 12. In the present embodiment, the at least two conductiveelements include an electrically conductive inner loop 26 and anelectrically conductive outer loop 28, wherein outer loop 28 isseparated by a elongate gap from inner loop 26. In various illustrativeembodiments, inner loop 26 and outer loop 28 may be molded into thebottom surface or lateral surface of bottom portion 16. When waterbridges the elongate gap, continuity sensor 24 transitions logicalstates and the transition is detected by controller 20.

Supports 32 are generally spaced about a bottom surface of bottomportion 16, and hold the bottom surface of water sensor 10 above asupport surface. In one example, supports 32 hold water sensor 10 adistance “d” above a support surface level denoted as “H0” as describedmore fully with reference to FIG. 21. In one example “d” is about 2.5millimeters, or 0.100 inches. Advantageously, water is detected before aflood sufficient to cause the water level to rise by “d” over the entiresupport surface (e.g. a basement floor). In variations of the presentembodiment, at least one of inner loop 26 and outer loop 28 may includean upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the lower portion extendsbelow the bottom surface of bottom portion 16. In one embodiment, thelower portion defines supports 32 and holds water sensor 10 on thesupport surface. In another variation of the present embodiment, bothloops 26 and 28 are shaped as waveforms including lower and upperportions such that the lower portions support water sensor 10 above thesupport surface, wherein the lower portions of loops 26, 28 includeapproximately 3 or 4 protrusions that form supports 32. Access cover 34is positioned flush with the bottom surface of bottom portion 16. Accesscover 34 provides access to a power source 22 (shown in FIG. 9)comprising a power source, to enable replacement of the power source.Access cover 34 may be coupled to bottom portion 16 via a conventionalfastener, such as a clip.

As best seen in FIG. 5, top portion 14 is curved to direct water fromthe top surface of top portion 14, along the side walls of bottomportion 16, to loops 26, 28 to trigger detection of the presence ofwater. In various illustrative embodiments, the top surface of topportion 14 may be convex (i.e., curved in multiple planes), while thebottom portion includes inwardly angled or tapered side walls configuredto cause water droplets to follow the contour of water sensor 10, asdescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 27.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are exploded views of water sensor 10. As seen therein,top portion 14 of housing 12 has an aperture through which actuatingmechanism 18 protrudes. Intermediate actuating mechanism 18 and topportion 14 is a visual indicator 30, which is comprised of translucentmaterial to permit a light source to emit a light therethrough. Thelight source may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). TheLEDs may emit light of various colors. In various illustrativeembodiments, the LEDs emit a green color when water sensor 10 is inoperating condition and blink and/or emit a different color when watersensor 10 is not in operating condition. Furthermore, during thepairing/coupling process between water sensor 10 and electrical device23 (described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11), visual indicator 30may visually alert the user when the pairing/coupling has beensuccessfully completed by changing colors and/or blinking or if an errorhas occurred in the pairing/coupling process by changing colors and/orblinking. A spacer 36 is positioned between actuating mechanism 18 andcontroller 20 and supports a periphery of actuating mechanism 18. Invarious illustrative embodiments, actuating mechanism 18 may be a buttoncentered about top portion 14. Furthermore, actuating mechanism 18 in anextended position may be flush with the top surface of top portion 14.Spacer 36 is supported by controller 20 by resilient means which elevatespacer 36 and actuating mechanism 18 but also permit retraction thereofupon actuation by a user. Upon said retraction actuating mechanism 18actuates a switch 40 (described with reference to FIG. 8) coupled tocontroller 20 which controller 20 senses to detect actuation ofactuating mechanism 18.

Actuating mechanism 18 may be engaged or depressed to cause severaldifferent events to occur. First, if water sensor 10 is not yetwirelessly coupled to electronic device 23, the engagement of actuatingmechanism 18 may cause water sensor 10 to pair or connect withelectronic device 23 via wireless connection 25. If the connectionbetween electronic device 23 and water sensor 10 has been interrupted oris in error, the engagement of actuating mechanism 18 may cause theconnection between water sensor 10 and electronic device 23 to be resetor re-paired. Furthermore, the engagement of actuating mechanism 18 maybe used to cause water sensor 10 to wake-up and/or check-in withelectronic device 23 via wireless connection 25. When water sensor 10 ischecking-in with electronic device 23, it may transmit a signal strengthrepresentative of a wireless local area network (WLAN) signal receivedfrom a WLAN access point, a detection signal or a status signal, amongothers. The signal strength may be designated in bars, as a percentage,as strong/weak, or any other designation indicative of signal strength.Also, actuation of actuating mechanism 18 may silence an audible alarmgenerated by water sensor 10. A signal strength of 80% is illustrated inFIG. 41. An example WLAN technology utilizes IEEE 802.11 standards andis marketed under the Wi-Fi brand name.

Controller 20 may generally be mounted on a circuit board positionedwithin housing 12. In various embodiments, controller 20 may bepositioned above power source housing 38. In one embodiment, controller20 is positioned intermediate actuating mechanism 18 and power source22. Example power sources comprise one or more batteries, includingrechargeable batteries. Controller 20 may be communicatively coupled toaudible indicator 80 (shown in FIG. 10) to command audible indicator 80to emit a sound when water has been detected or an error has occurred.Example audible indicators include a speaker and a buzzer. The sound maybe caused by vibration of the audible indicator. The audible indicatormay be reset or turned off by pushing actuating mechanism 18. Aschematic diagram of an embodiment of controller 20 is described withreference to FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 10, in some embodiments controller 20 comprises awireless personal area network (WPAN) processor 50 commutatively coupledto a WLAN processor 56. Example WPAN technologies include Bluetooth,ZigBee, Z-Wave, and IrDA technologies. Generally, WPAN technologies havea range of a few (<5) meters while WLAN technologies have much longerrange. WPAN processor 50 is coupled to an antenna 52 configured totransmit wireless signal 25. Electrically coupled to WPAN processor 50are a programmable memory 60, illustratively an electrically erasableprogrammable memory (EEPROM), a battery voltage level sensor 62 to sensea voltage level of power source 22, a temperature sensor 68, and acontinuity sensor 24 comprising the previously described two or moreelectrical conductive elements. Power source 22 is electrically coupledto power WPAN processor 50 and WLAN processor 56. Continuity sensor 24,actuating mechanism 18, and visual indicator 30 are connected to WPANprocessor 50 via general purpose input/output (GPIO) contacts and areprogrammed to interrupt a running program responsive to activation ofactuating mechanism 18 or transition of a logical state of a detectioncircuit of a continuity sensor as described above. Temperature sensor 68and battery voltage level sensor 62 are connected to contacts in WPANprocessor 50 connected to analog to digital converters (ADC) comprisedin WPAN processor 50. The ADCs converts voltages corresponding to thetemperature and battery voltages and convert the voltages to digitalsignals read by programs processed by WPAN processor 50 at periodicintervals. Also, WPAN processor 50 comprises control logic structured tointerrupt a running program if the GPIO input coupled to continuitysensor 24 indicates the presence of water. Universal asynchronousreceiver/transmitters (UARTs) communicatively couple WPAN processor 50to WLAN processor 56 over a communication line 90. WPAN processor 50communicates a WLAN enable command over a WLAN enable line 92.

As used herein the term “control logic” includes software and/orfirmware executing on one or more programmable processors,application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gatearrays, digital signal processors, hardwired circuits, or combinationsthereof. For example, in various embodiments controller 20 may compriseor have access to the control logic. Therefore, in accordance with theembodiments, various logic may be implemented in any appropriate fashionand would remain in accordance with the embodiments herein disclosed. Anon-transitory machine-readable medium comprising control logic canadditionally be considered to be embodied within any tangible form of acomputer-readable carrier, such as solid-state memory, magnetic disk,and optical disk containing an appropriate set of computer instructionsand data structures that would cause a processor to carry out thetechniques described herein. A non-transitory machine-readable medium,or memory, may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory(ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, orFlash memory), electronically programmable ROM (EPROM), magnetic diskstorage, and any other medium which can be used to carry or storeprocessing instructions and data structures and which can be accessed bya general purpose or special purpose computer or other processingdevice.

Continuity sensor 24 may comprise a first detection circuit comprisingan output contact coupled to the GPIO input of WPAN processor 50 and aninput contact coupled to one of the conductive elements. The other ofthe conductive elements is connected to a voltage supply. When waterbridges the elongate gap between the conductive elements, electrons flowfrom the voltage supply to the first conductive element, and through thewater to the second conductive element. The elongate gap between theconductive elements and the impurity of the water determines the amountof current that flows through the gap. The first conductive element maybe connected between a Zener diode and the voltage supply, with theZener diode coupled to ground. The second conductive element may beconnected between a Zener diode (grounded) and a resistor (R1) that isconnected to the base of a first transistor. The collector of the firsttransistor is connected to a second resistor (R2) that is connected tothe base of a second transistor. The second transistor's collector isconnected to the voltage supply and its emitter is connected to theoutput contact and through a third resistor (R3) to ground. Thus, waterbridging the gap turns on the first transistor, which turns on thesecond transistor. The current drawn by the GPIO input is drawn throughthe second transistor only and can be controlled by the third resistor.Generally, any circuit component (e.g. transistor, opto-coupler,inductor) may be coupled to the output contact and the conductivemembers in any known manner that will produce two different voltagelevels responsive to the presence or absence of water between them,which levels are sufficiently high or low to be recognized as logicalhigh or low signals (e.g. ON or OFF) by WPAN processor 50.

WLAN processor 56 is coupled with an antenna 58 configured to transmit awireless signal 54 to a web service 112 via an access point 104 (bothshown in FIG. 11) and Internet 110. WLAN processor 56 is communicativelycoupled to audible indicator 80, to a number of light emitting diodes(LEDs) 82 provided to facilitate debugging of water sensor 10, and to anexternal flash memory 84 which comprises programs processed by WLANprocessor 56 as described herein. WPAN processor 50 may cause WLANprocessor 56 to emit an alarm via a command transmitted over a GPIO line94 or via communication line 90.

WPAN processor 50 is programmed to cause an alarm if water is detected,and to periodically communicate status information including temperatureand voltage levels. Control logic is structured to compare the voltageof the battery level to a threshold indicative of a minimum charge andthe signal from the temperature sensor to a threshold indicative of ahigh temperature. If the GPIO input coupled to continuity sensor 24indicates the presence of water, WPAN processor 50 interrupts processingof the control logic and promptly commands WLAN processor 56 over line92 to wake up, then commands WLAN processor 56 to communicate a waterdetection signal to web service 112 indicating a water alarm. Watersensor 10 may communicate the status information and also trigger anaudible alarm via audible indicator 80. In a first example, the actualvalues of temperature and voltage are transmitted periodically by thecontrol logic, and web service 112 determines whether to issue an alarmcorresponding to the battery or temperature values. In a second example,the comparison to the thresholds is performed by WPAN processor 50 andvalues indicative of a temperature above the high temperature thresholdor battery voltage below a low battery voltage are transmittedperiodically to the web service. In the second example, WPAN processor50 may generate the low voltage or high temperature alarm even whendisconnected from the WLAN connection. In addition to detecting andcommunicating the leak alarm, WPAN processor 50 may generate an audiblealarm, even when disconnected from the WLAN connection.

In some embodiments, a user may program the low voltage and hightemperature thresholds via electronic device 23 and wireless connection25. Actuating mechanism 18 may be actuated to silence or acknowledge thealarm. In one example, a low temperature threshold may also beprogrammed.

In some embodiments, a user may program the low voltage and hightemperature thresholds via web service 112. In one example, a lowtemperature threshold may also be programmed.

Advantageously, WPAN processor 50 and WLAN processor 56 are configuredto minimize energy consumption. WPAN processor 50 may comprise aBluetooth low energy (BLE) processor which comprises a sleep state andan active state. In the sleep state, the BLE processor merely monitorsselected parameters, such as the water sensor GPIO input or an internalclock, and upon detecting a transition therein transitions from thesleep to the active mode. WLAN processor 56 also includes a sleep and anactive mode, and consumes significantly more energy to transmit wirelessWLAN signals than the BLE processor consumes to transmit WPAN signals.Upon transitioning to the active mode, the BLE processor issues acommand to wake-up WLAN processor 56 and transmit the respectivesignals. WLAN processor 56 transmits the signals via WLAN antenna 58,performs various communications related functions, and then transitionsback to the sleep state, to conserve energy. Therefore, WLAN processor56 is only in the active state when communication of data to web service112 is mandated by WPAN processor 50, and WPAN processor 50 is onlyactive responsive to detection of water or expiration of various clockintervals. Accordingly, water sensor 10 can operate for long periods oftime as energy consumption is substantially reduced in contrast withdevices not configured as described herein.

Operation of water sensor 10 will now be described with reference toFIG. 11. In general, a method of using water sensor 10 includespositioning water sensor 10 in a desired location, pairing water sensor10 with electronic device 23, using electronic device 23 to configurewater sensor 10 to communicate with web service 112, activating watersensor 10 to detect leaks, and receiving an alert responsive todetection of water by water sensor 10. Positioning water sensor 10 in adesired location may comprise positioning multiple water sensors 10 inmultiple locations, and configuring water sensor 10 may compriseidentifying the desired location of each of the multiple water sensors10. A system 100 comprises a water sensor 10 a and a water sensor 10 b.Water sensors 10 a, 10 b may comprise any embodiment of a water sensordescribed herein. The nomenclature “a” and “b” merely denotes thepresence of two water sensors, although additional water sensors may beincluded. Water sensors 10 a, 10 b may be, at different times orconcurrently, be wirelessly commutatively coupled to electronic device23 by wireless signal 25 and/or to web service 112 via wireless signal54 through access point 104 and the Internet 110. Web service 112 may becommutatively coupled via Internet 110 to an electronic device 120having a graphical user interface (GUI) 122. Electronic device 23comprises a GUI 106 and may be commutatively coupled to web service 112via a wireless signal 108 or a telecommunications cellular signal (notshown). In one example, electronic device 23 is wirelessly commutativelycoupled to water sensors 10 a, 10 b via a Bluetooth protocol and to webservice 112 via a Wi-Fi protocol. Similarly, water sensors 10 a, 10 bare wirelessly commutatively coupled via the Bluetooth protocol toelectronic device 23 and to web service 112 via a Wi-Fi protocol. Accesspoint 104 may be comprised by an internet switch or router. A localenvironment 102 is denoted, including water sensors 10 a, 10 b andaccess point 104. Local environment 102 may comprise a buildingincluding a house, factory, business office, or any other buildingcomprising water systems. Web service 112 is located remotely from localenvironment 102 and is outside the reach of wireless connection 25.

Water sensors 10, 10 a, 10 b, and any other water sensor in accordancewith the present disclosure, are configured via electronic device 23 tocommunicate with web service 112. Configuration comprises pairing ofelectronic device 23 with a water sensor using GUI 106. An examplepairing process will now be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15,in which a screen 130 of electronic device 23 displays pages of GUI 106.FIG. 12 illustrates a page (“Add Product”) in which electronic device 23presents an image 132 to communicate detection of a water sensor. Thewater sensor emitted a “ping” signal to enable devices within range ofwireless signal 25 emitted by the water sensor to detect the ping, as iswell known in the art of personal area networks, including Bluetoothnetworks. The ping signal may have been emitted responsive to actuationby a user of actuating mechanism 18. The user may then recognize thedetected water detection by touching screen 106 over image 132.Responsive to such recognition, a data entry field 134 is presented byGUI 106 (shown in FIG. 14) with which the user can enter a serial numberof the water sensor. Upon entry of a serial number in the correctformat, GUI 106 then displays a screen including an image 138 (shown inFIG. 14) to show that the water detector was paired. Image 138 shows thedefault name of the paired water sensor. GUI 106 may present a pageincluding images 146 and 148 to enable the user to select a paired watersensor (e.g. by touching screen 130 over image 148 to select thecorresponding sensor) and may then present a data entry field (notshown) with which the user can rename the paired water sensor. Multipleimages 148 may be presented corresponding to multiple paired watersensors (e.g. 10 a and 10 b). The user may rename the water sensors withreference to their location. When web service 112 transmits alarms, itwill do so utilizing the names of the water sensors. Thus the user mayselect names that enable the user to recognize the water sensor anddetermine how to respond to the alarm based on the location of the watersensor.

Examples of electronic device 23 include cellular phones, tablets, andpersonal computers, each including at least a WPAN transceiver.Electronic device 23 is communicatively coupled to web service 112either via access point 104 or directly via cellular communications.After paring, electronic device 23 transmits the serial number or otherunique identification information of water sensor 10 to web service 112and web service 112 provides to electronic device 23 web service accessinformation which electronic device 23 communicates to the water sensor.The web service access information may comprise, for example, auniversal resource locator (URL) and access codes with which the watersensor may transmit and receive information through access point 104.Thereafter, the water sensor can communicate with web service 112through access point 104 independently of electronic device 23. In someembodiments, GUI 106 presents an image 136 to show the name of thenetwork connection point to which the water sensor has been coupled. Itshould be understood that in a local environment there may be multipleaccess points and also multiple range extenders to which the watersensor may electronically couple, thus presentation of the networkconnection point may be helpful, for example to troubleshoot theconnection if the wireless connection is unreliable or difficult toestablish.

Advantageously, the user may place a water sensor in a location whereWLAN reception is strong. The WLAN processor of the water detector candetect a WLAN signal from access point 104. Upon or during pairing, thewater sensor communicates a WLAN signal strength to electronic device23. If desired, the user can then move the water sensor to a locationwith improved signal strength so that the water sensor can more reliablycommunicate with access point 104. Once water sensors 10 a and 10 breceive the web service access information and establish communicationwith access point 104, they are able to communicate status updates atregular intervals or alarm signals as needed. In turn, web service 112receives the status and alarm signals and determines whether a messageis to be transmitted to selected users based on a database configured incooperation with the administrator of environment 102. For example, thedatabase may indicate that certain family members receive certainmessages but not others, or whether a message is to be sent. Electronicdevice 23 may be the same or different than electronic device 120.

FIG. 16 illustrates a page presented by GUI 122 on a screen 150 ofelectronic device 120. Page 150 presents images 152, 154, showing thenames of two water sensors named “On the Desk” and “By file Cabinet”.The images include icons to indicate that no leaks have been detected.The user may touch over one of images 152, 154 to view a status thereof,as shown on FIG. 17, where an image 153 identifies the selected watersensor, an image 162 shows that a leak has not been detected (e.g. adrop with a line through it), and a text box 163 may present additionalinformation, for example the time and date of the last statustransmission of the water sensor. Text box 163 may also indicate thetemperature and battery voltage of the water sensor.

If a water sensor detects a leak, it communicates the water detectionsignal to web service 112, and web service 112 transmits an alert toelectronic device 120. FIG. 18 shows an alert window 164 presented byGUI 122 responsive to a water detection signal and alarm. The user canacknowledge receipt of the alarm by touching screen 150 over an image165. Thereafter GUI 122 presents, as shown on FIG. 19, an image 166 toshow that water has been detected (e.g. a drop without a line throughit). Image 166 may be color-coded to indicate whether the user has orhas not acknowledged the alarm. Web service 112 may periodicallytransmit the alarm signal until it is acknowledged. The alarm signal maybe transmitted to any number of electronic devices registered in adatabase of web service 112, and may be color-coded as acknowledged uponreceipt of the first acknowledgment on any one of said electronicdevices.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are elevation and plan views, respectively, of anotherembodiment of a water sensor, denoted by numeral 200. Water sensor 200is identical in most respects to water sensor 10 and, additionally,includes electrically conductive elements 202 and 204 extendingperpendicularly from the bottom surface of housing 12 below a plane H2defined by the bottom surface of water sensor 200. A plane H0 representsthe support surface upon which water sensor 200 rests. The distance “d”between planes H0, H2 is indicative of the amount of water that wouldhave to fill the space below water sensor 200 to cause water sensor 200to detect a flood or leak with continuity sensor 24. Instead, watersensor 200 may detect a flood or leak sooner with conductive elements202 and 204. Conductive elements 202 and 204 are electrically coupled toa second detection circuit analogous to the first detection circuitdescribed with reference to continuity sensor 24. Controller 20comprises control logic structured to detect water at a first stage,responsive to a state transition of the first detection circuit, and ata second stage, responsive to a state transition of the second detectioncircuit.

In some embodiments, conductive elements 26, 28 are substituted byconductive elements 26′, 28′. FIGS. 22 to 29 illustrate anotherembodiment of a water sensor, denoted by numeral 220. Water sensor 220is identical in most respects to water sensor 200, except thatconductive elements 202 and 204 have been removed. Conductive elements26′, 28′ are shown, each comprising four arcuate segments, with two legportions extending from each arcuate segment. Conductive element 26′comprises segments 232, 234, 236, and 238 (best shown in FIG. 25), andconductive element 28′ comprises segments 222, 224, 226, and 228. Theleg portions extend from the arcuate segments into water sensor 220 tocouple with continuity sensor 24. Assembly of conductive element loopsfrom arcuate segments may facilitate assembly of water sensor 220.

In a variation of the present embodiment, the arcuate segments do notcontact each other, thus presenting small gaps between the arcuatesegments, which enable the control logic in controller 20 to detectconnections between any one of the eight arcuate segments and therebydetermine an orientation of the water connection relative to the centerof the water sensor. More or less arcuate segments may be provided toform each of the conductive element loops. The spacing between theconductive element loops may also be adjusted to define a detectionsensitivity of the continuity sensor.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, water sensor 220 comprises an actuationmechanism comprising components 250, 252, and 254, which are assemblewith screws 256 to secure component 254 to top portion 14 withcomponents 250, and 252 therebetween. Component 252 comprises an elasticmembrane and is configured to activate switch 40 when component 250 isdepressed by the user. A seal 258 is disposed between top portion 14 andbottom portion 16 to form a water tight seal therebetween. A pluralityof spacers 262, 264, and 266 support controller 20. A power supplyhousing 268 is formed on bottom portion 16. Supports 32 extend from thebottom surface of bottom portion 16. A gasket 270 is interposed betweenbottom portion 16 and a power supply cover 240.

The water sensors described herein, including water sensors 10, 200,220, and variations thereof, may be sized and configured to enable waterdroplets to follow the contour of the water sensor housing and reach theconductive elements. Referring to FIG. 27, top portion 14 comprises anupper portion 272 having a periphery 276 and a frustoconical surface 278extending from periphery 276. Top portion 14 also comprises a lowerportion 274 connected to periphery 276. Frustoconical surface 278 isdefined by two parallel planes cutting through an imaginary conecomprised by an infinite number of lines extending from the first planethrough the second plane to an apex. The segments of the linesconnecting the first and second planes define frustoconical surface 278.The lines may be straight. In the present embodiment the lines arearcuate. A line tangential to frustoconical surface 278 and extendingbetween its peripheral edges, and comprised by a plane cutting throughfrustoconical surface 278 orthogonally to periphery 276, is denoted byT1. Periphery 276 is on a plane H1 parallel to planes H0 and H2. Anangle A1 formed by T1 and H1 represents the curvature of frustoconicalsurface 278.

Lower portion 274 is radiused with a radius A3. Bottom portion 16comprises an upper portion 282 having a periphery 286 and a lowerportion 284. A sealed edge 280 is formed by top portion 14 and bottomportion 16 of housing 12. Bottom portion 16 has a frustoconical surfaceextending from sealed edge 280 to outer conductive element 26, 26′ (bestshown on FIG. 28), which is elevated relative to conductive element 28,28′ by a distance D3 (from plane H2 to a plane H3 parallel to H2 andcomprising conductive element 26, 26′), to enable a droplet of water tofollow the frustoconical surface at a velocity sufficiently slow toprevent separation from housing 12. The droplet of water then extendsover conductive element 26, 26′ to reach conductive element 28, 28′ andclose the water sensing circuit. In the present embodiment, thefrustoconical surface of lower portion 284 has a straight profile thatforms an angle A2 to the horizontal plane H2. Angle A2 may compriseangles in a range of about 55-80 degrees, more preferably in a range ofabout 60-75 degrees, and even more preferably in a range of about 65-70degrees.

In some embodiments, radius A3 is between about 5 and 15 millimeters, ismore preferably in a range of about 6-10 millimeters, and is even morepreferably in a range of about 7-9 millimeters.

In some embodiments, angle A1 comprises angles in a range of about 2-15degrees, more preferably in a range of about 3-10 degrees, and even morepreferably in a range of about 5-8 degrees.

In one embodiment, angle A1 is between about 5-8 degrees, and angle A2is between about 65-70 degrees. In one variation thereof, radius A3 isbetween about 6-10 millimeters.

While water sensors 10, 200, and 220, and variations thereof have beendescribed with reference to a support surface, water sensors comprisingcontroller 20 and conductive elements may also be supported by otherstructures, including a water pipe. Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, showntherein is a water sensor 300, comprising a latch 302, a hinge 304opposite latch 302, an cover 306 and a base 308 attached to cover 306 byhinge 304 and latch 302. A notch 320 extends from a periphery of watersensor 300 to its center, the width of notch 320 configured to match apipe diameter. A plug 324 is also shown including slots 326, 328configured to receive opposing walls of water sensor 300 defined bynotch 320. After water sensor 300 is positioned around a pipe 330, plug324 is inserted into notch 320 to retain water sensor 300 in place.Between cover 306 and base 308 is positioned a water absorbent material.Cover 306 comprises apertures on its surface that permit water to passtherethrough to be absorbed by the absorbent material. A pair ofconductive elements contact the absorbent material. When a sufficientamount of water is absorbed, the absorbent material wicks the water toan area adjacent the conductive elements, at which time the watersensing circuit is closed through the absorbent material. Thesensitivity of the water sensor can be defined by the distances betweenthe conductive elements, the absorbency of the absorbent material, andthe proximity of the conductive elements to the closest aperture. In oneexample, controller 20 is positioned between cover 306 and base 308. Inanother example, a pair of connectors 310, 312 are provided to connectwater sensor 300 to a controller 20 that is not positioned between cover306 and base 308.

FIG. 31 shows a variation of the embodiment of water sensor 300 in whichan elongate semi-circular element 360 extends from base 308 and is sizedand configured to match the diameter of pipe 330 to provide additionalsupport.

FIGS. 32 to 47 are screenshots of another embodiment of a graphical userinterface operable with a water sensor. The screenshot shown in FIG. 32illustrates an image presented by the GUI with text indicating that theelectronic device is searching for devices. The screenshot shown in FIG.33 illustrates that two water sensors were found, respectively named“Delta Leak 39487” and “Delta Leak 12984”. A user may touch the screenof the electronic device above either name to pair the respective watersensor with the electronic device. The screenshot shown in FIG. 34presents a confirmation window with which the user can confirm saidpairing and FIG. 35 presents a user the opportunity to choose a Wi-Finetwork for the water sensor.

The screenshot shown in FIG. 36 provides a data field with which theuser can rename a water sensor and FIG. 37 illustrates a plurality oficons corresponding to the location/use case in which the water sensorwill be used. The user can select an icon to associate it with the watersensor. A laundry washer icon has been selected. The screenshot shown inFIG. 38 provides a data field with which the user can name a localenvironment. Example local environments include a home and a beachhouse. The user can define multiple local environments and placemultiple water sensors in each defined local environment. The user canalso associate a picture of a local environment with its name, as shownin FIG. 39.

The user can also associate a use case icon with a defined localenvironment, as shown in FIG. 40. The user may then associate a watersensor with a selected use icon of the defined local environment. In oneexample, the user can check the Wi-Fi signal strength of a water sensor,as shown in FIG. 41 (80%) to assist in placement of the water sensor toachieve the a strong WLAN connection. As shown in FIG. 42, the user mayalso program the low and high temperature thresholds of water sensors,thus use the water sensors to detect when the heating/ventilation andair conditioning system has failed, for example. FIG. 43 illustrates aplurality of images with which the user can select a local environmentand then visualize the status of the water sensors therein, as shown inFIGS. 44 and 45. FIG. 44 illustrates that a leak has been detected bythe water sensor proximal to the washing machine (a warning sign isshown over the image of the main home and also over the image of thewater machine, denoting a leak), and FIG. 45 illustrates that no leakswere detected in the beach house (a checkmark is shown over the image ofthe beach house denoting no leaks).

The user can navigate to a screen associated with a use case icon toview status information including battery level, signal strength, andthe dates of the preceding status updates. Said screen is illustrated inFIG. 46 with reference to a washing machine. Alternatively, if a leak isdetected, an image of the icon with a warning sign is shown, and alsoshown is an object labelled “dismiss” with the user can activate toacknowledge the leak and the respective alarm.

The foregoing screenshots exemplify a method of associating watersensors with local environments, programming of the water sensors, andwater detection alarms. The screenshots are generated with electronicdevice applications in ways that are well known in the art. Exampleelectronic devices may comprise operating systems such as the Apple iOSoperating system and Google's Android operating system.

Some examples of embodiments described above and variations thereof aresummarized below:

Example 1

A water sensor comprising: a housing including a top portion and abottom portion; a controller positioned within the housing; a powersource positioned within the housing and in electrical communicationwith the controller; and a continuity sensor coupled to the bottomportion of the housing and in electrical communication with thecontroller, the continuity sensor including an electrically conductiveinner loop and an electrically conductive outer loop surrounding theinner loop, wherein water between the inner loop and the outer loopelectrically couples the inner loop and the outer loop to provide anelectrical circuit which is detected by the controller.

The water sensory device of example 1, further comprising an actuatingmechanism supported by the top portion of the housing and in electricalcommunication with the controller.

The water sensor of claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism is abutton.

The water sensor of example 1, further comprising a plurality ofsupports spaced about the bottom surface of the bottom cover andsupporting the sensor above a supporting ground surface.

The water sensor of example 1, wherein the top portion of the housing isconvex to direct water from the top portion to the bottom portion.

The water sensor of example 1, wherein a bottom surface of the bottomcover is approximately 2.5 millimeters from a lateral surface.

The water sensor of example 1 further comprising a visual indicatorsurrounding the actuating mechanism. A variation of the present example,wherein the visual indicator is an LED light.

The water sensor of example 1, wherein the power source comprises abattery.

The water sensor of example 1, further comprising an audible indicatorwithin the housing.

The water sensor of example 1, further comprising a wireless transmitterin electrical communication with the controller and configured tocommunicate an alert signal to a wireless network when water is detectedbetween the inner loop and the outer loop. A variation of the presentexample, further comprising a remote electronic device in communicationwith the wireless network.

The water sensor of example 1, further comprising first and seconddownwardly extending electrically conductive protrusions.

Example 2

A water sensor comprising: a housing including a top surface and abottom surface; a controller positioned within the housing; a powersource positioned within the housing and in electrical communicationwith the controller; an actuating mechanism supported by the top surfaceof the housing and configured to be in communication with thecontroller; a sensor coupled to the bottom surface of the housingconfigured to measure an electrical property between at least twoconductive elements and to determine a presence of water from themeasured electrical property; and a low-power wireless connectionconfigured to communicate information from the water sensor to anelectronic device.

The water sensor of example 2, wherein the top surface is convex toallow water to be directed from the top surface to the bottom surface.

The water sensor of example 2, wherein the at least two conductiveelements extend substantially circumferentially about the bottom surfaceof the housing.

The water sensor of example 2, wherein the bottom surface of the housingis approximately 2.5 millimeters from a surface.

The water sensor of example 2, wherein at least one of the at least twoconductive elements includes at least one upper portion and at least onelower portion, wherein the lower portion supports the water sensor abovea surface.

The water sensor of example 2, wherein the electronic device is a mobiledevice.

The water sensor of example 2, wherein the at least two conductiveelements are configured to distinguish between different quantities ofwater.

Example 3

A method for sensing a presence of water comprising the steps of:providing at least one water sensor including a housing with a topsurface and a bottom surface, a controller positioned within thehousing, a power source positioned within the housing and incommunication with the controller, and a sensor coupled to the bottomsurface of the housing including at least two conductive elementsconfigured to measure an electrical property between the conductiveelements and to determine a presence of water from the measuredelectrical property in a detection zone, wherein each of the conductiveelements spacedly extends substantially circumferentially about thebottom surface of the housing; activating the water sensor; coupling thewater sensor to an electronic device via a wireless connection; andtransmitting information between the water sensor and the electronicdevice.

The method of example 3, further comprising a button disposed about thetop surface of the housing and capable of communicating with thecontroller.

The method of example 3, wherein the step of coupling the water sensorto the electronic device includes the step of pushing the button of thewater sensor.

The method of example 3, further comprising the step of pushing thebutton of the water sensor such that the water sensor transmits a signalstrength reading to the electronic device.

The method of example 3, wherein the wireless connection is a low-powerwireless connection.

The method of example 3, wherein the step of coupling the water sensorto the electronic device via a wireless connection includes the stepsof: downloading an application to the electronic device; adding thewater sensor to the application; and transmitting information betweenthe water sensor and the electronic device.

The method of example 3, wherein the information transmitted between thewater sensor and the electronic device includes at least one of a signalstrength, a detection signal and a status signal.

Example 4

A water sensor comprising: a housing including a top portion and abottom portion; a controller positioned within the housing; a powersource positioned within the housing and in electrical communicationwith the controller; a first continuity sensor coupled to the bottomportion of the housing and in electrical communication with thecontroller; and a second continuity sensor coupled to the bottom portionof the housing and in electrical communication with the controller.

The water sensor of example 4, wherein the first continuity sensorincludes an electrically conductive inner loop and an electricallyconductive outer loop, wherein water between the inner loop and theouter loop electronically couples the inner loop and the outer loop toprovide an electrical circuit which is detected by the controller. Avariation of the present example, wherein the second continuity sensorincludes first and second downwardly extending electrically conductiveprotrusions, wherein water between the first protrusion and the secondprotrusion electrically couples the first protrusion and secondprotrusion to provide an electrical circuit which is detected by thecontroller.

The water sensor of example 4, further comprising an actuating mechanismsupported by the top portion of the housing and in electricalcommunication with the controller.

The water sensor of example 4, further comprising a plurality ofsupports spaced about the bottom surface of the bottom cover andsupporting the sensor above a supporting ground surface.

The water sensor of example 4, the top portion of the housing is convexto allow water to be directed from the top portion to the bottomportion.

The water sensor of example 4, further comprising an audible indicatorwithin the housing.

The water sensor of example 4, further comprising a wireless transmitterin electrical communication with the controller and configured tocommunicate an alert signal to a wireless network when water is detectedbetween the inner loop and the outer loop.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in thefollowing claims.

1. A water sensor comprising: a housing including a top portion and abottom portion; a controller positioned within the housing; a powersource positioned within the housing and electrically coupled to thecontroller to energize the controller; and a continuity sensorelectrically coupled to the controller and including a first elongatemember adjacent lengthwise to a second elongate member forming anelongate gap therebetween, the first elongate member and the secondelongate member extending along one or more surfaces of the housing; andcontrol logic structured to transition from a first logical state to asecond logical state responsive to water bridging the elongate gap,wherein the controller is structured to transmit a wireless waterdetection signal responsive to the continuity sensor transitioning tothe second logical state.
 2. The water sensor of claim 1, wherein thefirst elongate member comprises an inner arcuate portion and the secondelongate member comprises an outer arcuate portion, wherein the housingcomprises an oval or circular bottom surface, and wherein the innerarcuate portion extends along and adjacent a periphery of a bottomsurface of the housing.
 3. The water sensor of claim 1, wherein thefirst elongate member comprises an inner arcuate portion and the secondelongate member comprises an outer arcuate portion, wherein the innerarcuate portion comprises an electrically conductive surface spanning atleast 300 degrees about a center of the housing, and the outer arcuateportion comprises an electrically conductive surface spanning at least300 degrees about the center of the housing and substantiallysurrounding the inner arcuate portion.
 4. The water sensor of claim 3,wherein the outer arcuate portion comprises an outer loop, the innerarcuate portion comprises an inner loop, and the elongate gap comprisesa radial distance between the inner loop and the outer loop.
 5. Thewater sensor of claim 4, wherein the radial distance is constant.
 6. Thewater sensor of claim 4, wherein the radial distance is about 3.0millimeters or less.
 7. The water sensor of claim 4, wherein at leastone of the outer loop or the inner loop comprises a circular shapecentered on the center of the housing.
 8. The water sensor of claim 3,wherein the bottom portion of the housing comprises a lateral surfaceand a bottom surface, and the inner arcuate portion is positioned withinan area defined by the bottom surface.
 9. The water sensor of claim 8,wherein the electrically conductive surface of the outer arcuate portionlies on a first plane that is parallel and spaced apart from a secondplane on which the electrically conductive surface of the inner arcuateportion lies.
 10. The water sensor of claim 9, wherein the first planeintersects the lateral surface of the bottom portion.
 11. The watersensor of claim 10, wherein the lateral surface of the bottom portion isfrustoconical and comprises a large periphery and a small periphery,wherein the small periphery is adjacent the bottom surface, and whereinan angle of the lateral surface lying on a plane orthogonal to the firstplane is in the range of about 50-89 degrees to the first plane.
 12. Thewater sensor of claim 11, wherein the lateral surface is angled at anangle in the range of about 60-80 degrees to the first plane.
 13. Thewater sensor of claim 3, wherein at least one of the outer arcuateportion or the inner arcuate portion comprises a plurality of arcuatesegments.
 14. The water sensor of claim 13, wherein the outer arcuateportion comprises the plurality of arcuate segments and the plurality ofarcuate segments are electrically coupled to each other.
 15. The watersensor of claim 14, wherein the inner arcuate portion comprises theplurality of arcuate segments and the plurality of arcuate segments areelectrically coupled to each other.
 16. The water sensor of claim 3,wherein the bottom portion of the housing comprises a lateral surfaceand a bottom surface, and wherein the electrically conductive surface ofthe inner arcuate portion spans 360 degrees about a center of the bottomsurface.
 17. The water sensor of claim 1, further comprising anactuating mechanism and an audible indicator, communicatively coupled tothe controller and configured to silence an audible alarm generated bythe audible indicator responsive to the continuity sensor transitioningfrom the first logical state to the second logical state responsive tothe water bridging the elongate gap.
 18. The water sensor of claim 17,further comprising a visual indicator surrounding the actuatingmechanism.
 19. The water sensor of claim 1, wherein the top portion ofthe housing comprises a convex top surface configured to direct waterfalling on the convex top surface to a periphery of the housing.
 20. Thewater sensor of claim 1, further comprising a first protrusion and asecond protrusion, the first protrusion and the second protrusionextending from and perpendicular to a bottom surface of the housing andforming a second elongate gap therebetween, wherein the conductivitysensor is configured to detect a second water level with the secondelongate gap different than a first water level detectable with theelongate gap between the first elongate member and the second elongatemember.
 21. The water sensor of claim 20, further comprising a pluralityof supports elevating the housing above a support structure, the secondwater level defined by distal ends of the first protrusion and thesecond protrusion and being intermediate the bottom surface and thesupport structure, wherein the first water level is intermediate thebottom surface and the second water level.
 22. The water sensor of claim1, wherein the controller comprises a wireless personal area network(WPAN) controller communicatively coupled to a wireless local areanetwork (WLAN) controller, wherein the WPAN controller is electricallycoupled to the continuity sensor and configured to cause the WLANcontroller to transition from an inactive state to an active stateresponsive to the continuity sensor transition to the second logicalstate, and wherein the WLAN controller is configured to transmit thewireless water detection signal after transitioning to the active stateand to transition to the inactive state after transmitting the wirelesswater detection signal.
 23. The water sensor of claim 22, wherein theWLAN controller is configured to determine a WLAN signal strength of awireless signal between the WLAN controller and a WLAN access point, andthe WPAN controller is adapted to wirelessly transmit the WLAN signalstrength to an electronic device.
 24. A method of detecting water,comprising: providing a water sensor including a top portion and abottom portion, a controller positioned within the housing, a powersource positioned within the housing and electrically coupled to thecontroller to energize the controller, and a continuity sensorelectrically coupled to the controller and including a first elongatemember adjacent lengthwise to a second elongate member forming anelongate gap therebetween, the first elongate member and the secondelongate member extending along one or more surfaces of the housing, andcontrol logic structured to transition from a first logical state to asecond logical state responsive to water bridging the elongate gap;wherein the controller is structured to transmit a wireless waterdetection signal responsive to the continuity sensor transitioning tothe second logical state; wherein the controller comprises a wirelesspersonal area network (WPAN) controller communicatively coupled to awireless local area network (WLAN) controller: the continuity sensortransitioning from the first logical state to the second logical stateresponsive to the water bridging the elongate gap; the WPAN controllertransitioning from the inactive state to the active state responsive tothe continuity sensor transitioning from the first logical state to thesecond logical state; the WLAN controller transitioning from an inactivestate to an active state responsive to a signal from the WPAN controllertransmitted while the WPAN controller is in the active state; and theWLAN controller transmitting a water detection signal aftertransitioning to the active state and transitioning to the inactivestate after transmitting the water detection signal.
 25. The method ofclaim 24, further comprising the WPAN controller receiving networkinginformation through a WPAN and using the networking information towirelessly connect to a WLAN.
 26. The method of claim 24, furthercomprising: the WLAN controller determining a WLAN signal strength andcommunicating the WLAN signal strength to the WPAN controller; and theWPAN controller transmitting the WLAN signal strength through a PAN. 27.The method of claim 24, further comprising: a web service receiving thewater detection signal and transmitting an electronic alert to adesignated recipient.
 28. A method of detecting water, comprising:positioning a water sensor in a desired location; the water sensorincluding a top portion and a bottom portion, a controller positionedwithin the housing, a power source positioned within the housing andelectrically coupled to the controller to energize the controller, and acontinuity sensor electrically coupled to the controller and including afirst elongate member adjacent lengthwise to a second elongate memberforming an elongate gap therebetween, the first elongate member and thesecond elongate member extending along one or more surfaces of thehousing, and control logic structured to transition from a first logicalstate to a second logical state responsive to water bridging theelongate gap; wherein the controller is structured to transmit awireless water detection signal responsive to the continuity sensortransitioning to the second logical state; pairing the water sensor withan electronic device to form a wireless personal area network (WPAN);obtaining networking information from a web service with the electronicdevice, the networking information corresponding to an access pointcommunicatively coupled to the web service; the electronic devicetransmitting the networking information to the water sensor through theWPAN; the water sensor detecting a presence of water; and the watersensor transmitting a wireless water presence signal to the accesspoint.